Best Dispersed Camping near Montague, NJ

The Montague, New Jersey area features primarily dispersed camping options within a tri-state region that includes portions of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Campers will find primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail, including the Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Columbia, NJ, which serves as one of the few authorized camping locations within Worthington State Forest. Within an hour's drive, additional dispersed camping can be found at locations like Hickok Brook in New York, which offers lakeside tent sites, and Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, popular among rock climbers visiting "the Gunks." Most sites in this region are hike-in or walk-in only, with limited drive-in options available at Thunder Swamp Trailhead and Russell Brook Road.

Rough access roads with significant potholes limit vehicle types at many locations, with high-clearance vehicles recommended for reaching trailheads. As one camper noted about Hickok Brook, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping." Water availability varies significantly between sites, with many requiring campers to pack in their own supply. The Appalachian Trail site has "no water nearby," according to reviewers, who recommend "stocking up at Dunnfield Creek natural area or waiting until Sunfish Pond." Permits are required for camping on New York state land, with rangers enforcing designated camping areas. Most dispersed sites follow Leave No Trace principles and require camping at least 150 feet from trails.

Campers consistently mention limited amenities as a defining characteristic of the region. Hemlock Ridge MUA is described as having "absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal," but visitors appreciate that "it's quiet and off the beaten path." Small parking areas are common, with Hemlock Ridge accommodating only "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Sites along the Appalachian Trail provide bear boxes and good hammocking trees but prohibit ground fires. Insect activity can be significant, with one reviewer noting "bugs are relentless" at certain locations. Despite these limitations, the region offers solitude and natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking to scenic destinations like Tabletop and Peekamoose Mountain from Denning Trailhead.